AHFC Invites New Rent Relief Applications

Posted on September 7, 2021November 4, 2021 by Brian Tiefenbrun

Brian Tiefenbrun

Operations Coordinator
btiefenbrun@connectmatsu.org

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation is opening a new enrollment period to apply for rental assistance. The new Rent Relief application period will go from September 13, 2021 to October 1, 2021, AHFC is encouraging vulnerable Alaska renters to check their eligibility and apply on their site (AHFC Rent Relief Application). The program states that it will provide up to 3 months of rent and utility relief for qualified individuals. The publication may be viewed by clicking here.

(Due to federal restrictions, assistance is not available at this time for homeowners). If you would like to search for other available housing resources, click here.

Connect Mat-Su Call Line Operator Spotlight: Jasmine Walker

Posted on June 22, 2021October 12, 2021 by Brian Tiefenbrun

Chelsea Hedrick

Community Resource Specialist
chedrick@connectmatsu.org

Jasmine Walker is an operator for the Connect Mat-Su COVID Call Line and a certified medical assistant. She says that she was drawn to the position because, “being able to communicate with the public on a more personable level is always the main goal,” and she’s able to accomplish that by acting as the point of contact for those who need information about COVID-19 and the vaccines. Jasmine has also enjoyed learning how to use new tools in technology that she hopes to apply in her future positions.

In partnership with Alaska Public Health Nursing (AKPHN), the call line launched in February and expanded services in May to provide information and answer questions about COVID vaccines. Operators are available weekdays from noon until 5 p.m. Call (907) 373-2628 and dial 2 for assistance. For more information on the program, please email coordinator@connectmatsu.org.

Connect Mat-Su Volunteer Spotlight: Jessica Czechowicz

Posted on April 7, 2021October 12, 2021 by Brian Tiefenbrun

Chelsea Hedrick

Community Resource Specialist
chedrick@connectmatsu.org

Jessica Czechowicz is a volunteer for the Connect Mat-Su COVID Call Line and a registered nurse. She’s worked in an ICU step-down unit that in March of 2020 became a dedicated COVID unit and spent the last year seeing firsthand how it impacts someone’s health. When asked what interested her in the volunteer position, Jessica said, “One of the most difficult things I encountered as a nurse during the pandemic was how to process, disseminate, and embrace the sometimes-daily changes to best practices when dealing with COVID. It was frustrating and confusing. When I saw this volunteer opportunity, I felt a lot of empathy for how confusing it must be to navigate these new guidelines. I could help people who weren’t in the medical field navigate how to keep their families and schools safe.”

Jessica says this experience has, “shined a light on what an amazing job Mat-Su Public Health and the school district has done in the Mat-Su Borough! They have created a process that is straightforward, evidence-based and has allowed their schools to remain open.” Though she hasn’t received a call during her shift yet, service to others and connection to the community is important to her. She says, “Connect Mat-Su is an amazing organization and I am proud to help support them in their mission to improving the health and wellness of all Alaskans.”

In partnership with the Mat-Su Borough School District (MSBSD) and Alaska Public Health Nursing (AKPHN), the call line launched in February and will be open through May 21st. Operators are available Monday – Friday from 12-3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Call (907) 373-2628 and dial 2 for assistance.

For more information on the program or how to volunteer, please email volunteer@connectmatsu.org.